Open Frame Chip Conveyor for Dry Metalworking Applications
Not every machining or stamping operation runs with coolant. Dry CNC operations, secondary deburring stations, cold heading machines, fastener formers, small stamping presses, and assembly-area scrap stations produce chips, small parts, and process waste without cutting fluid—which means paying for a liquid-tight conveyor frame adds cost without adding value. The SteelTrak™ 716 delivers the same compact 1½” pitch belt, TruTrak belt tracking, and radial sidewing technology as the liquid-tight Model 715, but in an open frame configuration built specifically for dry applications.
If your process generates fine chips or small scrap without coolant, the 716 gives you every performance advantage of the SteelTrak mini pitch platform at a lower cost and lighter weight than the sealed-pan 715.
Same Belt, Same TruTrak, Open Frame
The 716 uses the identical 1½” pitch hinged steel belt as the 715: a one-piece conventional 14-gauge apron with ⅝” high cleats on 12″ centers, 12-gauge x ¾” high radial sidewings, ⅞” x ½” wide flat face rollers, and 12-gauge outside sidebars. The radial sidewing design maintains the tightest possible fit between sidewing and apron, reducing the chip pinching that causes jamming and carryover on conveyors with standard stamped sidewings.
TruTrak flanged rollers are standard on the 716, just as they are on every SteelTrak model. These flanged rollers are built into the belt chain and keep the belt centered in its track at all times. The belt cannot sway side to side, which means it cannot rub against the conveyor frame. This eliminates the frame wear, axle damage, sidewing degradation, and loose cotter pins that cause unplanned downtime on conventional hinged steel belt conveyors.
The difference is the frame construction. Where the 715 includes a sealed liquid-tight bottom pan for coolant containment, the 716 uses an open frame that allows any incidental liquid or dry debris to pass through rather than accumulate inside the conveyor. This makes the 716 lighter, easier to clean, and better suited for environments where fluid management is not a concern.
Compact Frame for Tight Machine Clearances
Like the 715, the 716 frame depth is 4⅛” at the infeed section and expands to 6⅝” from the lower curve through the discharge. This tapered profile slides under low-clearance machine discharge points—an important advantage when retrofitting chip conveyors to existing equipment where floor space and vertical clearance are both limited.
Standard widths range from 4″ to 24″, with custom widths available. Lengths range from 3 to 20 feet (infeed minimum 12″, discharge minimum 18″). Standard curves include 30, 45, and 60 degrees. The standard drive is ½ HP (230/460V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, TEFC), top mount on the right side, with a standard speed of 30 FPM.
Available configurations include Type 3 (Z-shape), Type 4 (L-shape), and horizontal layouts.
When to Choose the 716 Over the 715
The decision between the 716 and 715 comes down to one question: does your application involve coolant or cutting fluid?
Choose the 716 when chips are produced dry—no flood coolant, no mist, no water-soluble oil. Common dry-chip applications include small stamping presses running without lubricant, cold heading and fastener forming machines, secondary deburring and trimming stations, dry CNC machining operations (common with cast iron, graphite, and certain composites), assembly-area scrap collection, and inspection station reject chutes.
Choose the 715 when chips are mixed with coolant, cutting fluid, or any liquid that needs to be contained during transport. The 715’s sealed bottom pan prevents floor contamination and supports coolant recovery. If you’re unsure, the 715 covers both wet and dry applications—but if your process is definitively dry, the 716 provides the same performance at a lower cost and lighter installed weight.
Dry Chip Applications by Industry
The 716 is commonly specified for cold heading and fastener manufacturing where small blanks, slugs, and trim scrap need to be conveyed away from forming equipment. In stamping operations, the 716 handles small slugs, blanks, and trim from progressive dies running without lubricant. Secondary operations like deburring, chamfering, and trimming generate fine dry chips that fit the 716’s mini pitch perfectly. Assembly and inspection areas that produce reject parts or small scrap pieces benefit from the 716’s compact size and quiet operation. Screw machine shops running dry cycles use the 716 to collect fine brass, steel, or stainless turnings.
716 vs. 715: Quick Comparison
Both models share the same 1½” pitch belt, TruTrak flanged rollers, radial sidewings, frame dimensions (4⅛” infeed / 6⅝” discharge), 14-gauge frame, drive, sprockets, bearings, and belt construction. The 715 adds a sealed liquid-tight bottom pan for wet-chip applications. The 716 uses an open frame for dry-chip applications. All other specifications, options, and configurations are identical. If your application changes from dry to wet in the future, consult Barron Equipment about upgrading to a 715 or retrofitting a liquid-tight pan.